Hello fellow Addicts! I just recently acquired a vintage Herman Miller Eames Management Chair which was shipped with the base removed from the chair. I just can't seem to be able to pry the side frames apart enough to wedge the base back in there. Do I need to remove the upholstery by undoing the hex bolts and assemble the frame first? Any help is greatly appreciated!
This very thing happened to me about 10 years ago. 6 aluminum group chairs shipped to me with the bases detached. I was unamused.
No, do not try to take the upholstery off. What you'll need to do is go to Home Depot or Lowes and get TWO big ratchet bar clamps.
They can be reversed, so you can use them either as a clamp or a spreader. You'll want to flip the jaws and use it as a spreader. Put one on the front and the rear of the base of the chair and ratchet away until it starts spreading the seat. This will spread the seat of the chair enough that you'll be able to slide the base back in place. Then put the bolts back in and Bob's your uncle!
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